Macaws

Many of the 16 macaw species require large tracts of relatively pristine habitat for their survival. As such, they may be ideal biological indicators of the conservation status of rainforests.

Scarlet macaws seem to be a particularly sensitive macaw. If mistreated while young, it can grow up to be belligerent and prone to biting.

Scarlet macaws (and parrots more generally) are seed predators, meaning they eat and destroy seeds rather than eating the fruit and leaving the seeds. This limits the number of seeds that can germinate into new plants and influences the generation of forest tree species. In contrast, many other birds are seed dispersers that don’t harm the seeds and drop them some place away from the parent tree to germinate into new plants.

An individual scarlet macaw may be sold for more than $1,000.

Scarlet macaw reproductive rates in the wild are low for a number of reasons, including a natural scarcity of suitable nesting sites.

Scarlet macaws mate for life and have a very close relationship with their partner called a “pair bond.”

Scarlet macaws strong wings let them reach speeds of 35 miles per hour.

Scarlet macaws, like other parrot species, travel long distances (over 100 kilometers) in search of food resources. Consequently, they may cross political boundaries so that a negative impact to the population in one country would have a negative impact on populations in neighboring countries.

Like other parrots, Scarlet macaws are left-handed. They use their left foot to handle food and grasp things while their right supports their body.

Scarlet macaws use a variety of harsh, loud screeching calls, guttural squawks and growls to communicate.

Monkeys, toucans, snakes, and other large mammals prey on Scarlet macaws.

Scarlet macaws strong wings let them reach speeds of 35 miles per hour.

In the video below, you can watch scarlet macaws feed on clay licks. The clay settles their stomach and also provides essential sodium and calcium supplements.

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